Sports ramblings…with a Yankees bias!

Results tagged ‘ Christina Taylor Green ’

With nothing to talk about, the speculation continues
about what free agents the Yankees are looking at.The latest has pitcher Justin Duchscherer and
outfielder Andruw Jones within the team’s sights…

Tony Gutierrez/AP

UPI/David Richard via Newscom

I like Duchscherer, although he has been beset with
injuries and depression in recent years.I recognize that he is considered an “average” pitcher, but he does know
how to win.He’ll never be the second
coming of Chris Carpenter, but when the alternative at the 5th spot
in the rotation is Sergio Mitre, he’d be worth the shot.I have quietly been hoping the Yankees would
sign former Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis but there has been no activity on that
front.It wasn’t that long ago
(pre-Ubaldo Jimenez) that Francis was considered the ace of the Rockies
staff.If the signing of Francis is not
meant to be, then I like Duchscherer over other options like Jeremy
Bonderman.I like the addition of either
Francis or Duchscherer even if somehow and magically Andy Pettitte decides to
return for one last season.

The other rumor has the Yankees considering outfielder
Andruw Jones.I actually wanted the
Yankees to sign Jones last off-season.He ended up with the Chicago White Sox and hit 19 home runs.I realize that he will never be the Atlanta
Braves’ version of Jones, but in the right role, he can excel.I lived in the Los Angeles during his final
year with the Dodgers and it was pathetic to see Jones as a shell of what he
used to be.Still, I think he’d be a
good fit as a role player for the Yankees.Jones could also step into left if either Brett Gardner or Curtis
Granderson missed any time due to injury.

What can Larry Rothschild do to restore Joba Chamberlain’s
confidence?With A.J. Burnett and Joba
at the top of his to-do list, I wonder if Larry fully understood what he was
getting himself into.If he can somehow
turn both of these guys around, he will be a legend in Yankees history.

David Zalubowski/AP

Speaking of Rothschild, the Yankees announced their 2011
coaching staff and the only change was Larry in for former pitching coach Dave
Eiland.All things considered (and
nothing against Eiland), but I feel very good about the pitching being in the
hands of the long-time Cubs pitching coach.It’s also good to know that Tony Pena will return to his role as bench
coach for manager Joe Girardi.I think
that’s a good pairing, even if Pena will have to coach against his son, Tony
Pena Jr., who is currently a member of the dreaded Boston Red Sox.

There has been so much talk lately about the impending
free agency of St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols.Personally, I do not want to see Albert in
anything other than a Cardinals uniform.Hopefully, the first ballot to be Hall of Famer and the Cardinals can
find a way to ensure that Albert stays in St. Louis for the duration of his
career.

Scott Rovak/Getty Images

There are going to be some really great pitching
performances in the National League this season.Granted, the class of the rotations is the
Philadelphia Phillies, but so many teams have improved (like the Brewers, Cubs,
and Marlins to name a few).Plus, let’s
not forget the solid starting five of the World Champion San Francisco
Giants.Give me the #5 starter, Madison
Bumgarner, for the Yankees rotation…please!

I have to admit that I was pleased to see future Hall of
Fame closer Trevor Hoffman retire today.It fixes his save total at 601, and certainly makes it within reach for
also future Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera.With a two year contract and standing at 559 saves, there’s no reason in
the foreseeable future that Mo can’t erase the difference.I think both Trevor and Mo should be first
ballot elections, although I’d admit that Lee Smith should go in before either
one.With Mo, I have definitely been
grateful in recent years that I’ve been able to watch one of the all-time great
New York Yankees.It’s a lengthy list
but Mo will exit at the head of the class for his position.I am envious of anyone who actually saw my
idol, Lou Gehrig, play, but I’d also say that I’ve been very fortunate to see
Mo pitch.It’s nice to know that when
#42 is retired at Yankee Stadium for Jackie Robinson, it will be shared by
Mo.Nevertheless, I wish the very best
for Trevor Hoffman, who I hear is headed back to the San Diego Padres for their
front office.

AP

Finally, I wanted to say how much I miss former Yankees
beat writer/blogger, Peter Abraham.I
keep up with him with Boston.com, and his latest post shows why he is simply
one of the best…if not the best.

Okay, one more thing.The loss of Dallas Green’s 9-year-old granddaughter, Christina Taylor
green, to the shooting in Arizona is devastating.I can’t help but think of the great things
that she could have and most likely would have accomplished in her
lifetime.It was a senseless tragedy and
we are clearly the worse for it.Somehow, the world is a lesser place today because of her loss.I am also saddened for the others that lost
their lives, and I wish for a full and speedy recovery by Rep. Gabrielle
Giffords.The restoration of her life
and career is so important to the balance of life…

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